Smith is Mets' surprise party

Joe Smith turns 23 today. His true celebration may be 10 days from now, when the Mets christen the 2007 season in St. Louis.

The sidearm reliever has been perhaps the most pleasant development in camp, and is a serious candidate to join the bullpen for the season opener. He's been unscored upon in six of his seven outings, the lone blemish - which accounts for a 1.93 ERA - coming when he allowed three runs (two earned) in two innings Saturday against the Orioles facing a lineup so stacked with lefty hitters that Smith was relieved when righty-hitting former MVP Miguel Tejada came to the plate. Continue